Strahan Cocky Over Ballroom
He was definitely talkin' the talk -- but until Michael Strahan waltzes the waltz in some magenta sequined onsies, the former NFL star probably shouldn't refer to "Dancing with the Stars" as "too easy."
See Also
"DWTS'" Ballas Takes One in the Groin
"Dancing with the Stars'" Mark Ballas has groin-ed to a halt.
The season six winner "grimaced in pain" at a Staples Center concert, reports People, and apologized to the crowd for "not being able to give his all," although he was apparently able to tough it out through a "high-energy hip-hop" routine.
Ballas announced he'll have to sit out "a couple of weeks" to let his sore man-bend mend. No splits for Mark.
Greene Can't Sprint Past Hollywood Doorman
Maurice Greene holds several world records, two Olympic gold medals and was just on "Dancing with the Stars." What he doesn't have: The clout to get past the douche doorman who's already denied Chuck Liddell, Seth MacFarlane and a Barack look-alike.
See Also
Hough: Yeah, I Went Toe-to-Toe with Sapp
Derek Hough admitted he and Warren Sapp had a tussle on the set of "DWTS" -- but Derek explained to us how he was able to pull off being a little guy and the bigger man at the same time.
See Also
Braxton Skipped 'DWTS' Finale Over Cancer Scare
Toni Braxton was noticeably absent from the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" -- and it was a brush with cancer that kept her from performing.
TMZ has learned Braxton discovered a lump in her breast before she was set to appear on "DWTS" and was told she had to have it removed immediately. Rather than have the surgery right away, Braxton chose to wait until after she was eliminated from the show. Luckily, it turned out to be benign.
Braxton was still recovering from the surgery when last month's finale rolled around, so she didn't perform.
Steve-O -- Jackass in the Ballroom?
Have you ever watched "Dancing with the Stars" and thought to yourself, "Man, this show needs a guy who will staple his testicles to his thigh"? Well your wish just might come true.
TMZ has learned Steve-O (who has been sober for nine months) has verbally agreed to appear on the show next season -- and has even auditioned.
Nothing is set in stone yet -- "DWTS" usually unofficially books several stars and then makes the cut down right before they make the official announcement.
A rep for "DWTS" told us, "We never comment on casting rumors, true or false."
Dick Van Patten -- Ache is Enough
The "Eight is Enough" pop says he wants on "Dancing with the Stars" -- and he's already got one of the prerequisites covered: Hospital tags.
See Also
Cloris Leachman -- Slippery When Wet
Cloris Leachman had to be carried out of Blvd 3 last night -- but this is the one time we don't think drinking was a factor.
See Also
David vs. Goliath on "DWTS" Set
There was an explosion of anger a few days ago on the "Dancing with the Stars" set.
Our sources say it all went down when the remaining professionals and celebs were rehearsing for the group dance that aired last night. Warren Sapp showed up several hours late for rehearsal. When Sapp finally arrived mid-rehearsal, he began complaining he was having a hard time following the routine.
Several dancers complained back that it was Warren's own fault for getting there late. At that point, Sapp snapped, throwing Derek Hough against the wall. Now get this -- all 97 pounds of Derek wouldn't back down.
We're told there was a stand-off in the dance room until they both cooled off and went back to rehearsing.
UPDATE: Derek tells TMZ, "This has been blown way out of proportion. Warren and I exchanged a few words at rehearsal that lasted seconds. The idea that Warren would do physical harm to me or anyone is outrageous. We've all become good friends during the season."
Amber Alert Issued for Lance Bass
Has a member of the lollipop guild gone AWOL?!
Oh, wait. It's just Lance Bass in an extra special nuclear shade of orange for the "Dancing with the Stars" finale.
Spray 'em if you got 'em.
See Also
"Dancing" Puts 911 On Hold!
There have been so many injuries on "Dancing with the Stars," the staff has started to take 911 operators for granted. Check out the call a staffer made after Jeffrey Ross' partner poked his eye. Who puts 911 on hold to take another call?!!
Aretha Franklin -- Dancing with the Diva?
Rolling with an entourage of six large gentlemen last night at The Ivy, it's easy to see how some people would consider Aretha Franklin a diva -- and by "some people," we mean the staff at "Dancing with the Stars."
The Queen of Soul is set to perform on the show tonight, but sources there tell TMZ Aretha has quite the list of demands. Among them, we're told Aretha has requested the air conditioning be turned off whenever she sings and we're also told she was adamant about switching up her song at the last minute ... but even if it is "diva" behavior, does it really matter?
Note to "DWTS" staff -- she's ARETHA FRANKLIN. She can do whatever the hell she wants.
Now somebody go get her a big mac.
See Also
Cody Linley -- Cutie to Douchey on "DWTS"
The kid bro of "Dancing with the Stars" -- Cody Linley -- has gone from boy wonder to ... oh boy.
"Perhaps there was a touch of the diva there all the time," a show staffer tells the Chicago Sun-Times. "But it sure has come to the surface now -- in a major way. He's always whining about something or someone." As for reports of on-set boozing or happy hands, sources say it isn't so.
But resentment still lurks: "After working with him for a couple months, you learn he isn't sweet at all."
"DWTS" Injury Bug Spreads Again
There must be something in the bronzer over at "Dancing with the Stars."
Multiple sources tell TMZ dancing pro Kym Johnson now has an injured shoulder, but it won't keep her from performing tonight.
It's unclear how she hurt it, but it may require surgery down the road.
See Also
A Pink Slip for Karina Smirnoff
Karina Smirnoff from "DWTS" should have partnered up with some double-sided tape last night. But we're not complaining.
Maurice Greene Gets Deflowered
Maurice Greene left the Coco de Ville solo last night -- but that didn't stop one pushy flower lady from trying to hook him up with one of the many "bitches" waiting outside.
